BERMUDA poet Michael Bickley will travel to Las Vegas next month, having been invited to showcase his talent as part of an international symposium.

Mr. Bickley will present his work for judging at the International Society of Poets 20th anniversary convention. The winning poet will walk away with the title of 2006 Poet of the Year, a $20,000 cash prize and a $10,000 book publishing contract. Former Ruben Stoddard will announce the Poet of the Year while Grammy Award winner, Tony Orlando, will perform some of his greatest hits.

"I'm no John Keats but I'm hoping they will appreciate my work," Mr. Bickley said this week. "Even if they don't, it should be fun. I've been writing poetry for years. It's only in the last year I've submitted my work. Before that I had never tried to present my poems but when I was invited to attend the convention I thought, 'What the hell, I'll try'."

Organisers of the world's largest poetry forum, the International Society of Poets honoured Mr. Bickley with an award last year, granting him the title of 'laureate' in recognition of his talent.

He had written poetry for close to three decades, and in 2005 decided to submit his work for critical review after he stumbled on the organisation's web site. In addition to the literary title, Mr. Bickley's efforts earned him a silver medal and cup. The achievement led to this most recent invitation to Las Vegas, Mr. Bickley feels.

"Anyone can attend but they asked me in particular to go," he said.

The poet will take two or three of his poems with him, although rules dictate he can only submit one to the judges.

"There will be so many people there, I don't know what other options there may be," he said in explaining that decision. "We have to give a copy to the judges and read it before a panel. It's the judges who determine how good it is."

Poets are able to write on any topic. Mr. Bickley's poem, , is dedicated to all who fly. It was penned early this spring, long before he was aware of the upcoming competition.

Asked where his inspiration came from, the writer explained that he works part time in the Tourism Department of the Bermuda International Airport where he is responsible for interviewing visitors to determine their opinion on and knowledge of the island.

"It's not strictly about Bermuda ? our airport doesn't have some of the other aspects mentioned," he said. "But I get off the island a couple times each year and I have travelled in big airports ? every now and then I visit my son who works in Hong Kong in Conyers, Dill & Pearman's office there. Over the years I have travelled quite a bit."

The International Society of Poets convention was founded in 1986 "to promote peace, humanity, charity, and poetry".

It has since awarded over $1,000,000 to amateur poets from around the world. This year's entrants stand a chance of sharing in $100,000 in prizes. The event attracted more than 2,000 people last year, and Mr. Bickley predicted an even greater response from poets in 2006.

AS much was implied by the competition's organisers in marketing it to poets: "To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Society of Poets, we have planned the richest and most extravagant amateur poetry contest in American history.

"The International Society of Poets has increased the cash and prize money to over $100,000. The top prize of $20,000 cash plus a book publishing contract push the value of this year's Grand Prize to over $30,000. There is no amateur poetry contest in the world that comes close to providing a bigger prize."

An experienced poet, he has been writing since the age of 20, shortly after he emigrated to Bermuda from his native England. Fittingly, his first work was about this island.

"I write when the mood takes me," he said. "I like to write but unfortunately, inspiration doesn't come every day. I sit down with my paper, jostle ideas around, two or three lines come and I start writing."

The convention will take place at the Riviera Hotel and Casino between July 20 and 25.